Back in 2024, French independent brand Yema launched the Wristmaster collection, a cool integrated bracelet model with an in-house movement, a distinctive angular case and round bezel. It was actually based on an earlier Kickstarter project called the Wristmaster Traveller, which goes to show how much Yema has developed in a relatively short time period, graduating from a brand reliant on crowdfunding to establishing their own manufacture. Now the Wristmaster collection is expanding again with the introduction of the Wristmaster Slim Small Seconds CMM.29 with new core models and a limited edition Snow Camo version.
All three watches in the small seconds range make use of the same super slim case of the 2024 editions. That means a well sized 39mm diameter and a thickness of just 9mm, offering a fantastic balance of presence on the wrist and wearability. It’s also a versatile model, suitable for daily office wear or more refined occasions thanks to that svelte profile which means it can slip unobtrusively beneath a shirt cuff.
While the Snow Camo limited edition is structurally the same as its core collection cousins, it has a special finishing across its case and bracelet that makes it stand out. It has been completely laser-finished across practically every surface, leaving only the polished bevels of the case and bezel untouched. The impact of this laser etching is to create slightly different shades and tones of grey-silver in a mottled appearance, creating a camo pattern. At first glance it reminds me strongly of Damascus metalworking, especially the Sinn 1800 Titandamszener. The same finishing is used across the dial to complete the snow camo aesthetic, blending in with the cold environments of the arctic.
Speaking of the dial, it has been redesigned to accommodate the new small seconds display, which is positioned at 9 o’clock. The hour markers have been adjusted to make space for it with the 9 marker gone completely and the flanking 8 and 10 markers reduced in size. The 12 o’clock Arabic numeral has also been swapped to a double marker to make the dial feel less busy despite its more complex arrangement compared to the standard 3-hand model. The two core models alongside the Snow Camo limited edition are in green and blue, both with soft vertical brushing instead of the horizontal engraving of the 2024 collection.
Powering the Wristmaster Slim Small Seconds is the calibre manufacture Morteau CMM.29. It’s effectively the small seconds variant of the more widely used CMM.20, which is Yema’s ultra-slim micro-rotor movement. It has an accuracy of -3/+7 seconds per day and a 70-hour power reserve. Like the case and dials, the Snow Camo limited edition has a special frosted finish visible through the caseback while the standard models have radial Geneva waves.
For pricing and availability, the Wristmaster Slim Small Seconds Snow Camo is £2,170 in a 100-piece limited edition while the standard models are non-limited at £2,040. That feels appropriate for an independent, in-house movement wristwatch with a cool integrated bracelet design. Especially the Snow Camo edition which feels very distinct in its creative use of finishes.
Price and Specs:
More details at Vertex.
